Exhibition Takes Visitors on a Journey Into the Dynamic Printmaking Scene of Oaxaca De Juárez, Mexico

Mercedes López (Mexican, born 1983), Sueño de Aguas Profundas, 2022, Etching and aquatint, Museum purchase, 2023.3.3

NORFOLK, Va., January 6, 2024 – Explore the artistic landscape of Oaxaca, one of Mexico’s most renowned cultural hubs, through Oaxaca Central: Contemporary Mexican Printmaking. Conceived and curated by the Chrysler Museum of Art, this exhibition is exclusively on view at One Memorial Pl, Norfolk, from February 20–May 11, 2025.

Over the past two decades, Oaxaca has become known across the globe for its contemporary printmaking scene. Fueled by rich visual traditions, and further galvanized by civic unrest in 2006, the city’s artists have embraced printmaking as a means of self-expression, raising awareness, and rallying for change. Oaxaca’s printmaking talleres (workshops)’s reputation for innovation has attracted artists, collectors, and visitors worldwide.

“Oaxacan artists are pushing the boundaries of printmaking and empowering artists from across the globe to approach the medium with a fresh perspective,” says Mark A. Castro, Director of Curatorial Affairs. “The exhibition is also an important reminder that the centers for global contemporary art aren’t limited to New York, London, Paris—or even Mexico City.”

Featuring approximately 100 works from the Chrysler Museum’s permanent collection—many recent acquisitions debuting for the first time—Oaxaca Central showcases a range of mediums, including woodcut, engraving, etching, lithography, and serigraphy, as well as new approaches that reflect the ingenuity of Oaxaca’s thriving contemporary scene.

The Chrysler Museum is dedicated to amplifying diverse artistic voices and bringing global perspectives to Hampton Roads. To capture the feeling of the city, several Chrysler Museum team members traveled to Oaxaca to immerse themselves in the city’s culture, art, and history. Their insights informed every aspect of this exhibition from gallery design to event programming and shop offerings.

“Traveling to Oaxaca to witness its rhythm of daily life was a powerful reminder of the connection between art and place. The colors of the buildings, the shape of the distant mountains, and the energy of the people are tangible in the art of this exhibition,” says Drew Lusher, Public Programs Coordinator. “Our programming aims to bring our local community into the magic of Oaxaca by reinforcing this connection.”

After visitors encounter the exhibition, they can enhance their experience through intentional programs for all ages. Hear from leading scholars, immerse yourself in a street festival, take a printmaking class, or get tickets for the infamous IgNITE. See a full list of programming below and get tickets at chrysler.org/Oaxaca.

This exhibition is organized by the Chrysler Museum of Art, and curated by Mark A. Castro, Director of Curatorial Affairs, with Alejandra Bustamente, Consulting Curator.

EXHIBITION PROGRAMMING

OAXACA CENTRAL: CONTEMPORARY MEXICAN PRINTMAKING PREVIEW CELEBRATION
Wednesday, February 19 from 6–9 p.m.
Guests are invited to an evening preview celebration of Oaxaca Central: Contemporary Mexican Printmaking. Experience the Mexican city’s rich history through cuisine, demonstrations, and a closer look at the social climate that inspired this community of artists to embrace printmaking to rally for change.
Free for Museum members, $20 for non-members. Registration required.

CREATIVE MINDS: THE VISUAL REVOLUTION OF OAXACA
Sunday, February 23 at 2 p.m. by Suzanne M. Schadl
What makes Oaxaca, Mexico an epicenter for creativity? Why are so many artists from around the world flocking to Oaxaca? Why does it maintain a thriving printmaking scene? Join Suzanne M. Schadl, Chief of the Latin American, Caribbean and European Division at the Library of Congress, as she puts context around the vibrant legacy of Oaxacan printmaking. Schadl will discuss her book Getting Up for the People: The Visual Revolution of ASAR-Oaxaca
$10 for Museum members, $20 for non-members. Registration required

PRE-K ART PLAY
Wednesday, March 5, 10:30 a.m.
Get to know the ABCs and 123s in this program designed to delight children ages 3–5 through art, stories, and hands-on experiences. Dance to rhythms using your body and create patterns with stamping and printing.
Free. Registration not required.

BOOK & LOOK CLUB
Sunday, March 9 from 1–3 p.m.
Book & Look returns with Oaxaca, 1998 by Donley Watt as we explore themes of self-expression and identity through art in tandem with the Oaxaca Central exhibition. Discussions center around the different artistic mediums of watercolor and printmaking and how both have been used in personal and public expression. Light refreshments will be served in the Jean Outland Chrysler Library Reading Room.
Free. Registration required

ART BABIES
Wednesday, March 19, 10:30 a.m.
Designed to engage little ones up to 24 months old, we’ll explore rolling and rhythm in Oaxaca Central. Art Babies stimulates your baby’s brain through a gallery walk, songs, rhymes, and sensory play.
Free. Registration not required.

EL DÍA DE LOS NIÑOS (CHILDREN’S DAY) FESTIVAL
Sunday, March 30 from 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
As part of the Grand Opening Celebration of the Perry Glass Studio, the Chrysler Museum is hosting an early El Día de los Niños (or the Day of the Child) Festival. This block party will feature street theater, visual and performing artists, and live music. Enjoy glass-making demonstrations, an art carnival, hands-on activities for all ages, and large-scale printmaking inspired by the exhibition
Free. Registration not required.

MIXTAPE: FIRST THURSDAYS*
April 3, 5–8 p.m.
In a true Mixtape First Thursday, multiple art forms converge to offer something for everyone. From Oaxaca, Mexico, printmaker Mercedes López will discuss her works in the current exhibition. Virginia Opera will bring a panel discussion about their upcoming world premiere opera, “Loving v. Virginia,” with panelists to include acclaimed mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves and Artistic Director Adam Turner. The evening will conclude with opportunities to experiment with ekphrastic poetry and dig into Smithson’s Spiral Jetty with curator Chelsea Pierce.
Free. Registration not required.

PRINTING WITH VISITING ARTIST MERCEDES LÓPEZ
Sunday, April 6 from 1–4 p.m.
Join Oaxacan visiting artist Mercedes López for Norfolk’s own Oaxacan-style printmaking workshop. Delve into the fundamentals of various methods and develop your artistic vision by creating original designs and compositions. The workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn printing techniques and visual designs that reflect the legacy and tradition of Oaxaca, Mexico.
$30 for Museum members. $45 nonmembers. Registration required.

SECOND SATURDAY ART POP-UP*
Saturday, April 12, 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Whether you are a master of stick figures or an accomplished virtuoso, visitors of all ages can explore printmaking processes of many types.
Free. Registration required. Activity estimated to take 20–30 minutes.

IgNITE: INK*
Friday, April 25 from 7–10 p.m.
Drawn to be wild, this IgNITE pairs the region’s best tattoo artists with exciting and diverse printmaking and features the 2025 Coastal Virginia Print Fair presented by Studio Shift and Norfolk Zinefest. Yes, it’s an ink fiesta! The Chrysler Museum’s Oaxaca Central exhibition has inspired a party full of possibilities. Flash your tattoos while getting busy on the dance floor, experiment with printmaking techniques, enjoy mad music mixes, check out “go big or go home” art demos, and delight in Mezcal and Mexican street food.
$10 for Museum members, $20 for non-members. Registration required

* Presented thanks to generous support from the Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program.

ABOUT THE CHRYSLER MUSEUM OF ART

The Chrysler Museum of Art brings art and people together through experiences that delight, inform, and inspire. Internationally recognized for its collection of more than 35,000 objects, including one the largest glass collections in America, the Museum also includes free admission, the state-of-the-art Perry Glass Studio, a full-service restaurant, shop, theater, works on paper space, and oversees the historic Myers House. The Museum boasts an ambitious schedule of exhibitions, events, and programs, and has been nationally recognized for its commitment to inclusion through its innovative gallery host program. For more information, visit chrysler.org. Follow on social media @ChryslerMuseum to receive the latest updates.

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For more information or interview assistance, please contact Tanya Kaish Keller, Public Relations Advisor, at The Meridian Group. 757-340-7425 | tanya@themeridiangroup.com.

High-resolution images and credits are available. Permission and credit are required for the use of all images, print or digital. Cropping may not be permitted on some images; see caption sheet if applicable.